In the smooth pursuit neck torsion test, the target is moved through how many degrees to each side of the midline?

• A. 30 degrees
• B. 45 degrees
• C. 60 degrees
• D. 90 degrees

Answer: (B)

This test is about how the eyes track a moving target when the neck is rotated, isolating cervical proprioception’s contribution to eye movements during smooth pursuit. The target is moved through 45 degrees to either side of the midline. That 45-degree arc provides a reliable, moderate challenge to the oculomotor system—enough to reveal tracking inefficiencies without pushing the neck beyond a comfortable or safe range. If the sweep is larger, neck ROM limits or compensatory movements can confound results; if it’s smaller, subtle deficits may be missed. So 45 degrees per side offers a balance between sensitivity and safety, making it the best choice.